MANKATO, Minn. – The Minnesota State Mavericks (5-5-0, 1-5-0 WCHA) return home this weekend for a two-game series against Bemidji State (2-4-0, 0-4-0 WCHA). Puck drop is scheduled for 6:02 p.m. on Friday and 2:02 p.m. on Saturday at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center.

Scouting the Beavers

Bemidji State enters the weekend with a 2-4-0 overall record after dropping two games to No. 2 Ohio State. The Beavers fell 6-0 on Friday and 2-1 on Saturday and currently sit eighth in the WCHA standings.

This year's roster features eight new players, including four forwards, three defensemen, and one goaltender. Junior Hailey Armstrong leads the Beavers offensively with six goals for six points. Between the pipes, Kaitlin Groess leads Bemidji with a 4.27 goals-against average and an .866 save percentage.

Recap vs. Wisconsin

The Mavericks are coming off two losses against No. 1 Wisconsin last weekend.

On Friday, Minnesota State fell 4-0. Goaltender Hailey Hansen started in net and made 44 saves on 48 shots. The Badgers capitalized early on a power play, and despite strong defensive efforts from Kianna Roeske and Lauren Zawoyski, Wisconsin built a 2-0 first-period lead.

The Mavericks generated offensive chances from Mercury Bischoff and Zawoyski, but couldn't find the back of the net. Wisconsin added another goal midway through the second period and a fourth in the third. Despite continued pressure and a late power play opportunity, Minnesota State was unable to convert.

On Saturday, the Mavericks fell 8-0. Wisconsin struck early, scoring four goals in the opening frame. Minnesota State recorded 29 shots on goal—14 in the second period—but couldn't break through the Badgers' defense. Avery Stilwell took over in net in the second period, facing a relentless Wisconsin offense that added four more goals to seal the win.

The Mavericks began the year with four straight non-conference victories, including series sweeps over RPI and Lindenwood. Junior defender Lauren Zawoyski (Edina, Minn.) leads the team with eight points, all assists, while freshman forward Zoe Lopez (Plymouth, Minn.) and sophomore Lauren Goldsworthy (Minnetonka, Minn.) share the team lead with four goals apiece.

Series History

Minnesota State holds a 46-49-1 all-time record against Bemidji State. The teams split their last series, with the Beavers winning 3-2 in overtime before the Mavericks bounced back with a 5-1 victory in game two.

Watch Live

Both games will be streamed live on B1G+ (bigtenplus.com).